Thank You to Our Greenwich Neighbors!
The Witherell, like all skilled nursing facilities across the country, has been challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic. Keeping our residents and staff healthy has been our focus 24/7, even before the current health crisis but even more since. We are endlessly grateful to our dedicated staff who are pouring all their energy into the work they are doing.
Our hearts are also full from the support we’ve received from our community. One thing is clear: during this challenging time, our Greenwich neighbors have affirmed again and again that “We are all in this together!”
As soon as the coronavirus emergency was identified, we took precautionary measures by restricting visitors and volunteers as part of a rigorous COVID-19 Response Plan. Despite this, Witherell supporters found important ways to step up and help our frontline workers and vulnerable senior residents.
Here are some of the many ways our community has rallied to support the Witherell:
- PPE was donated by First Selectman Fred Camillo, the Connecticut Department of Health, Grace Farms, and the Connecticut Mutual Aid Plan.
- Lunches for frontline workers and staff were donated by the Friends of Nathaniel Witherell, Joe Kaliko and the Liporace family. In addition, a GoFundMe page has been created to raise funds for additional staff lunches during the crisis by Witherell family members and friends.
- Witherell volunteers began sewing masks for residents and staff. Volunteers Sara Erickson, Sally Van Leeuwen, Troudy Gouse, Mary Schacter and Nicole Roque have created over 150 masks to date.
- Susan Doyle from Oasis Senior Advisors spearheaded an effort to create homemade cards for Witherell residents and staff.
- Volunteer Jeff Fiddelman created The Witherell Channel on YouTube to include musical performances, personal greetings, and other entertainment for Witherell residents.
- Residents have been partnered with Brunswick school students for friendly phone calls to “Bridge the Generations” and cards and artwork have been received from Greenwich Academy Pre-School.
- Fairfield Surgery Center donated PPE gowns to the Witherell’s healthcare team.
- Donations to support the Friends of Nathaniel Witherell Resident Life fund have risen during March and April.
These acts of kindness are very helpful in letting everyone at the Witherell know that our Greenwich neighbors are supporting us every step of the way.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, so do the Witherell’s needs. To sponsor a luncheon for Witherell staff, contact Scott Neff at sneff@friendsofwitherell.org. To make a donation to the Witherell’s Resident Life Fund, go to: https://www.thenathanielwitherell.org/donate/friends-of-nathaniel-witherell/
